Burn in the Alpha Princess’s Wrath
Chapter 221 The Gamble
Leslie’s POV
82
+8 Pearls
The next morning, Thorbane’s call dragged me out of bed. He ordered me toe to the West Headquarters immediately–something major had happened.
I didn’t stop to rest and went straight to the highest–level council chamber.
The room was solemn, the air heavy.
I took the main seat, scanning the faces of the gathered elders, though inside I was ice.
My brother Thorbane stood nearby, calm and steady as he presented the agenda. “The Gold Empire of the Eastern Continent is forming a vast alliance powerful enough to reshape the world order. This will affect Rogue Pack’s position globally. We must approach them and secure a ce in this alliance. It will be Rogue Pack’s most important undertaking in theing days. Gold Empire’s envoy, Adler, has already arrived in the West.”
The Gold Empire, like our own Rogue Pack, was a royal wolf pack bloodline. But while we dominated the North and South continents, Gold Pack ruled the East.
Though of the same lineage, rtions between our two houses were far from warm. Contact was rare, and cooperation nearly nonexistent.
That was why Thorbane feared they would refuse us entry into the alliance.
And Adler, the mysterious Alpha from Gold Pack, was the one spearheading it all.
The tension in the council chamber was palpable.
Lucian<i>, </i>one of the conservative elders, abruptly proposed handing this mission–one that would decide our Pack’s future–to his useless son Damian.
“With something this important, you want to let your son practice? Has elder beta Lucian lost his mind?”
“Even if talks seed, it would <i>be </i>because Adler values the Rogue Pack royals, not your son’s merit. Trying to im credit so quickly–it’s shameless.”
I watched Lucian’s greedy, flushed face and sneered inwardly.
A pack of <i>fools</i>, <i>blind </i><i>to </i><i>everything </i><i>but </i><i>their </i><i>own </i>scraps <i>of </i><i>profit</i>, Asphodel whispered in my mind, sharp and scornful.
I held back my disgust and kept still, observing.
<b>9:12 </b>Thu<b>, </b>Sep 18 <b>G</b>..
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Chapter 221 The Gamble
82
+8 Pearls
The elders bickered without pause, their voices colliding, the chamber about to burst like a powder keg.
Some in favor, some opposed, others simply watching the spectacle–it all gave me a headache.
I nced at Thorbane. His eyes were lowered, face cool and detached, as if none of this mattered.
I ground my teeth. <i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>plotting</i><i>, </i><i>brother</i><i>, </i><i>while </i><i>you </i><i>sit </i><i>there </i><i>pretending </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>above </i><i>it </i><i>all</i><i>? </i>
Then Liam cleared his throat heavily, and the room hushed. Every gaze turned to Thorbane, waiting for his stance.
His eyes cut to Lucian, cold as steel. “Beta Lucian, you’re that eager to give your son a chance?”
Lucian flinched but forced himself to hold firm. “Damian’s ability speaks for itself. I believe he can handle this mission.”
I let out a coldugh inside. <i>Ability</i>? <i>Damian </i><i>has </i><i>none</i><i>. </i><i>And </i><i>he </i><i>dares </i><i>touch </i><i>a </i><i>project </i><i>this </i><irge</i>?
Thorbane’s mouth curved faintly, gone in an instant. “And if he fails?”
The air froze, silence pressing down hard.
Lucian’s face stiffened, eyes flickering. “If he fails…”
Thorbane’s tone sharpened, colder still. “This mission is Rogue Pack’s lifeline. Our entire future rests on it. If we lose it, not only our reputation but our standing, our partnerships, our entire Pack begins to slide. You want your son to take it? Then if the rival Packs steal it from us, who bears that responsibility?”
I snorted silently.
Did Lucian think this could be brushed off lightly?
The chamber was so still even breathing seemed dangerous.
Lucian’s face darkened. He had counted on his years of seniority to shield him.
But Thorbane hadid the consequences bare, showing no mercy.
Every gaze bore down on Lucian. Would he back off, or persist?
I was already growing impatient. I nced at my watch. <i>This </i><i>meeting </i><i>better </i><i>end </i><i>soon</i><i>—</i><i>I </i><i>still </i><i>wanted to </i><i>go </i><i>shopping</i>.
“I’ll do it!” Lucian bit out, his voice iron. “I believe Damian can secure this project. If he fails, I’ll
9:12 Thu, Sep 18 B.
Chapter 221 The Gamble
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take full responsibility. I’ll surrender all of my shares!”
An uproar shook the room.
<b>82 </b>
+2 Pearls
Lucian had once been Father Lars’s beta,ter promoted into the Elder Council. His position was second only to Father himself, his prestige immense.
And now he was gambling everything–for his son?
I couldn’t help but study him. That weathered face was firm with resolve.
Where did he find such confidence? Damian, of all people?
Thorbane’s lips curved, calction glinting in his eyes. “Not only that. Your son will never again hold office in Rogue Pack.”
Lucian’s eyes flickered, shifting, before he finally ground his teeth. “Fine!”
Thorbane turned his gaze to me, his tone casual, almost offhand. “We can’t ce all hope in one person. Two tracks at once. Leslie, you’ll take on this project as well. Think of it as… a little exercise.”
I froze, eyes snapping up to re at him.
Why drag me into this again?!
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